Ty Abbott has been named to the preseason watch list for the Wooden Award, which is awarded to the top player in college basketball at the end of the season.
The list is comprised of 50 student-athletes who, based on last year's individual performance and team records, are the early frontrunners for college basketball's most prestigious honor. The Women's Preseason list will be released later this week.
Abbott has done a lot to earn this praise, a four-year senior playing a game plagued with one-and-dones and players looking for the dollar signs. Abbott used to look uncomfortable in the shadow of James Harden, but in 2009-2010, he had a renaissance, scoring 12 points a game and playing with poise.
While Abbott may be considered a strong role player, he is not a top-flight talent. He's a good second option and can deliver a big shot during a significant moment, something that the Sun Devils need in order to be a contender in 2010-2011 amidst a plethora of new players.
Whether or not Abbott can lead ASU to a Pac-10 title is up for debate, but he deserves this honor.